ConnecticutBob.Com is a modest blog on the internet since 2006. Progressive ideas are encouraged, and all politically-minded and reasonable people are welcome. America is the greatest country in the world, but we'll bomb you if you disagree.

Friday, February 11, 2011

My advice to Mubarak

UPDATE 11:10AM: OK, so suddenly the MSM is going batshit about Mubarak having fled Cairo and reportedly has stepped down. The situation is still in a state of flux, and the latest reports bring up many more questions than answers. Will Mubarak still wield power from a less volatile city? What will the interim government look like? Will Mubarak's choice for VP assume the Presidency? Stay tuned...

Didja get it?

Real good, Bob. Way to trivialize a potentially disastrous situation!

(in my defense, I'm still taking cold medication, so I can't be held totally responsible for my actions. I think that's known in legal circles as "The Dayquil Defense"!)

...We have to face the future, but...we have the chance to make it our future..."

NOTE: I posted the earlier as soon as I got it; it was texted to my phone. Abe sent a longer email with the same message once he got the chance. He was employed, until 1 Feb, for some 30+ years by the Government (at which time he quit to join the popular protests.) I think he lives somewhat near Tahrir Square.

There's more I am feeling (pride for the Egyptian people, frustration at my own government, etc.), but the stark fact my friend felt empowered enough to allow me to use his nickname (when this would have been lethal week ago) should illustrate how far Egypt has come; the fact that I cannot use his full name should illustrate how far she has yet to go.

My return to Cairo has been delayed even longer I fear, because the f-ing State Department has issued a worthless advisory, and our company (as do many others) believe it's the word of god. It's unfortunate, because the Egyptians really need the tourism and expat money right now, and it's just not going to happen, because we've got a bunch of scaredy cats writing up State Department memos (have they ever even been to Egypt?). Regardless of what happened to CBS' Laura (no I didn't do my homework) Logan (and yes, I have been around the block in Baghdad) Egypt is a safe country. Do I sound pissed? Yes I am!

BTW, we have a shoe shop in our Cairo neighborhood called, "Walk Like An Italian."

BTW, I just want to say what happened to Laura Logan in Cairo is hideous, but sexual harassment is a well known problem. Here's a link from last November about it:http://insidethemiddleeast.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/01/why-is-sexual-harassment-in-egypt-so-rampant/

Egypt is a safe country, but the men are animals and you NEVER want to be among a crowd of them. It's just a dangerous situation (probably more dangerous for a woman than a war zone). This is a piece of information that SHOULD be in a State Department advisory.

Shoe store - one of these days I'll get a photo of it, if I ever get back.